The increased scrutiny being paid to older drivers could reduce the number of serious or fatal car accidents but assisting our parents in the transition to a life without wheels can be exceedingly painful.
Senior drivers are at high risk for being involved in a New York car accident. In fact, studies suggest drivers over the age of 70 face the most risk of any drivers on the road except teenagers.
The Washington Post recently published an informative article on assisting older loved ones in hanging up the keys.
It’s an issue that “is happening all across the United States in families up and down the streets every day,” said Elinor Ginzler, a senior vice president of AARP. “It’s a huge issue.”
It is an issue that is expected to become increasingly common as the Baby Boomers age in the coming decades. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that 78 percent of the 28 million Americans over the age of 70 still have their driver’s license — up from 73 percent a decade ago.
While we are living longer, the prevalence of debilitating health conditions — including heart problems, stroke, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and dementia — make driving an increasingly dangerous proposition.
In 2008, a total of 183,000 older motorists were injured in traffic accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In New York 233 older drivers were involved in fatal accidents.
The federal government provides resources for senior drivers and families.
If you have been injured in a car accident in the New York City or Long Island areas, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Rose to discuss your rights. Call 718.261.0549. Serving Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester and Rockland counties.
